Health chiefs want to replace 30 beds at the Fakenham care home with a 'supported care service', where community teams will care for people in their own homes.

But Celia Lee, chair of the Friends of Cranmer House, said: 'We cannot let Cranmer House close without a fight and I have noticed that, as before, there are petitions and responses on social media which I would urge everyone to join in.

'This has been a haven for local people when they have needed it most and the loss of beds at Cranmer House will result in a less user-friendly service.

'This is a tragedy for the elderly, frail and disabled townsfolk of Fakenham and surrounding area. Care in the home will not be suitable for those living on their own particularly they will be isolated and lack the valuable association with other patients.'

Some 642 people had signed the petition on change.org.

Supporter Faye Peacock said: 'Every local family must know someone who have used this important service. Taking it away will cause a huge impact for hundreds of people.'

Chris Lane adds: 'My 86 year old father in law is there twice a week after suffering a series of debilitating strokes and this gives my mother in law much needed rest. Have also known many old friends of mine who at the end of their lives have had a place in their home town to have a peaceful and respectful passing with family able to attend without traveling long distances at what can be a stressful time.'

Another adds: 'Cranmer provides much needed respite for not only the clients but for their family and carers too.

'It's not only the lives of the employees, who in my opinion have an incrdibly under valued profession, that will be affected but the local community, and families far and wide that have benefited from the services provided by Cranmer. Please stop closing these much needed services.'

Beds at Cranmer House, on Norwich Road, are currently used for respite care for elderly patients.

But the North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group believes some people staying in them could be better cared for at home.

In a joint statement, the NHS and Norfolk County Council said: 'There is an intention to provide care for more people in their own homes in future and this may affect services provided at Cranmer House, but nothing will change immediately and there is no proposal to close the facility.'

The CCG has asked us to point out that a meeting being held later this month will not be open to the public.

The petition can be found online here.